Supporting orphans

Every year, South Africa has a significant number of AIDS-related deaths.
While progress in disseminating treatment and care for those affected has considerably reduced the number of deaths in recent years (according to UNAIDS, this number has dropped from 350 000 in 2009 to 180 000 in 2015 ), the number of AIDS orphans aged 0-17 continues to grow: UNAIDS estimates it to be 2,100,000 in 2015 compared to 1,400,000 in 2009.

Most of these orphans are hosted by relatives of deceased parents. Thus the “extended families” are multiplying, and in the most disadvantaged circles, these additional children are becoming economic burdens, especially for household run by single mothers. Under these conditions, juvenile delinquency tends to increase as family support becomes more and more difficult. In addition, tuition fees are particularly high in relation to the local standard of living, in particular due to the purchase of the mandatory uniform in all schools.

Below is an overview of the projects supported by the association, in particular the Roosboom Day Care Center, on the outskirts of Ladysmith in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. In this fully furnished 70 sq meter house, the objectives are to create a warm and secure environement for vulnerable children. A meal is offered to them before and after school hours as well as tutorship and entertainment in the afternoon.
The sponsorship of Designing Hope consists, after building the construction in 2011 with th support of Air France Foundation, to cover the yearly running expenses of the centre, including food supply, and coordinators and care-givers salaries.

Since 2003

Designing Hope develops cultural and social bridges between France and several African countries where it initiates and supports projects in the field of health education, nutrition and agroecology, and social inclusion.